About The Laser Spine Institute

Physical Therapy

Laser Spine Institute is proud to house a state-of-the-art Physical Therapy Department. A full range of physical therapy for spine and extremity related disorders is available at our center. When prescribed by our physicians, we provide two physical therapy sessions as part of our all inclusive cost.

Irene Rademeyer, PT and Exercise Physiologist, will provide our clients with a blend of modalities and techniques to compliment the Laser Spine Institute surgical procedures.

Spine Conditions

One of the many common spine conditions that is treated at the Laser Spine Institute is foraminal stenosis, a narrowing of the foramen to the point where it compresses the spinal nerve inside the canal. Foraminal stenosis can be disabling in any CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT LSI'S ADVANCED
ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES patients and can cause severe pain in the lower back and legs, especially when standing or walking for any period of time. Patients with this condition frequently have to sit between brief periods of walking. Conventional surgical treatment for foraminal stenosis would be an open spinal surgery requiring an incision of anywhere from three to six inches or more and weeks, if not months, of recuperation.

The key to treating any spinal condition is obtaining the correct diagnosis. The doctors at the Laser Spine Institute have diagnostic tools, such as X-Rays, MRI Scans and CT Scans at their disposal. We are also able to perform diagnostic and therapeutic injections to pinpoint the exact location of your spinal problem.

Chief Surgeon
Dr. James St. Louis

When surgery is indicated, our surgeons utilize the latest in surgical equipment: state-of-the-art fiber optics, Holmium laser and X-ray machines to assist them in performing our minimally invasive spinal procedures. One of the most important and integral parts of the surgical team is the patient. Patients communicate to the surgeon, their pain level and location and most importantly, when their pain is gone, during the actual procedure. When Dr. St. Louis corrects the problem that has been pinching the nerve, the patient will frequently relate that the pain is gone right on the operating room table. This affords Dr. St. Louis the luxury of performing spinal procedures only in the area of the spine where treatment is needed.

Another common spine condition treated at the Laser Spine Institute is the removal of scar tissue. Many people that have had previous open spinal surgeries can develop large amounts of scar tissue. This scar tissue can cause the same symptoms these patients had prior to surgery. We are able to remove scar tissue through small tubes requiring very small incisions. Since our procedures are minimally invasive, we do not see the amount of scar tissue formation compared to the conventional open spinal surgeries.

Treatment experience shows that traditional open surgeries have little success with removing scar tissue, but with laser-assisted techniques, scar tissue can be easily and safely removed.

Arthroscopy has been used on the knee and shoulders since the early 1970's. The Laser Spine Institute is applying the same principles to the back and neck. The steps in this procedure are easy on the patient and allow the surgeon to accomplish more without the damage caused by traditional open back surgery. After IV sedation, a local anesthetic is administered to the area of the patient's back where the work is being done. An intravenous catheter is placed so that light sedation, medication and fluids can be administered.

Procedure

The laser spine procedure requires only one three-millimeter incision at the surface. Smaller incisions eliminate additional trauma associated with cuts through muscle and other tissue. A small hollow tube, about the circumference of a drinking straw, is then inserted into the incision. A series of Johnson and Johnson translucent tubes are placed one at a time over the first tube to slowly dilate the skin and muscle without having to tear or cut it. The last tube or "working tube" is 18 millimeters in diameter and once it is in place the other tubes are removed. Now a fiber optic camera with a 50X magnification view and any other instruments needed are guided down this tube to give the surgeon an up close look at the affected area. Lasers use light as a source of energy transmission to carve away any scar tissue or disc tissue needing to be removed.

The patient is awake but in a twilight state throughout the procedure allowing for continued communication with the doctor and staff. The surgeon will ask the patient questions to confirm that that the pain is gone and the nerve is free, sending adequate impulses. Throughout the procedure the anesthesiologist is sitting with the patient, monitoring his/her vital signs and administering medication and intravenous fluids as needed. A surgical technician stands by the surgeon to hand him the instruments he needs. A circulating nurse is present to coordinate everyone on the Operating Room team, communicate with the patient and keep the room temperature comfortable.

The average spine procedure lasts about 60 minutes. When the surgeon is sure that the nerve is free and everything is completed, he removes the tube to let the tissue and muscle go back to their natural position. The last tube is gently removed and a stitch or two is put into the tiny surgical site. The patient is wheeled into the post anesthesia care area where their vital signs are monitored, medications are given as needed and some light refreshments can be enjoyed. Within one hour after the surgery, patients are up and walking around. Soon after, they are discharged home.

The next day the patient returns for a check-up. An epidural injection may be given to reduce swelling and increase range of motion. Physical therapy is often recommended. Physical therapy consists of a series of stretching exercises, walking, ice or heat, gentle electronic stimulation and a nice relaxing massage. Each patient is given an instruction booklet so therapy can be continued at home.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days Over the weeks and months to come, you will see gradual and continuous improvement as the nerves and tissues heal. When you have a spine injury with nerve involvement, your muscles do not get the impulse, causing your muscles to atrophy. Nerves regenerate at the rate of approximately one inch per month, as it regenerates, nerve impulse will strengthen. That impulse is what allows your muscles to contract and stay strong. With time and exercise, your body can repair that damage, get stronger and you can gradually increase your list of activities.

Warm and friendly medical personnel are waiting for you at the Laser Spine Institute. They are well trained in every discipline that your care requires. You and your spine ailments are all we treat; you are our specialty. From the moment you enter the Laser Spine Institute, you will feel the compassion, respect and caring professionalism of our physicians and staff. The Laser Spine Institute is truly revolutionizing the treatment of spinal disorders.

E-MAIL LSI
TODAY WITH
YOUR QUESTIONS!

The Laser Spine Institute provides minimally invasive procedures to combat spinal and nerve conditions, often times the cause of neck and back pain. Treatment options include Foraminotomy, Percutaneous Discectomy, Facet Thermal Ablation and Fusion alternatives. These procedures are offered to treat such spinal conditions as back pain, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, arthritis of the spine, bone spurs, pinched nerves, scar tissue, foraminal stenosis, spinal stenosis, facet disease and sciatica.